The North's education minister has announced radical changes to post-primary education and has confirmed the scrapping of the 11-plus transfer test.
Ms Jane Kennedy signalled the most widespread shake-up in education in more than 50 years with the abolition in 2008 of the test taken by 11-year-olds which determines which second-level school they attend.
The transfer test, which involves primary school children sitting two written examinations, is widely unpopular. However grammar schools use its results to decide on pupil intake.
By scrapping selection and moving to a system of pupil assessment with parental consultation, the North's education system will resemble more closely that of the Republic.
Key decisions on a pupil's future education will be taken at ages 14 and 16, rather than 11.
Ms Kennedy was releasing the findings of the Costello Report, which was set up two years ago to advise on future post-primary arrangements. Mr Martin McGuinness, the Sinn Féin education minister before the suspension of Stormont, abolished the 11-plus test in his last act as a member of the Executive. However no replacement procedure was announced before his powers transferred to Ms Kennedy.
The Costello group's findings, accepted in full by the Minister, fill that gap. The report states that post-primary arrangements will be based on equality, quality, relevance, access, choice, respect and partnership rather than on academic selection at age 11.
It calls for an "entitlement framework" for each child. This will guarantee each pupil wider choice, flexibility and access to both academic and vocational subjects. But it will also necessitate a shake-up of provision at second-level to meet this new requirement.
Grammar schools, many of which are highly regarded, will not be able to select on an academic basis and will be forbidden from setting entrance exams. All second-level schools will be encouraged to widen prospectuses and to facilitate pupil and teacher exchanges within local areas.
Pupils will also be allowed to attend other local schools for individual classes and courses not on offer at their own school. Teachers could also take occasional classes in schools other than where they are staffed. Such transfers will straddle the Catholic-state schools divide.
Two senior clergy from the Catholic and Presbyterian churches, and a representative of the integrated sector - all members of the Costello group - support this move.
The precise form of such area co-operation is to be decided locally. Pupil profiles will be developed to help teachers and parents make informed choices about career paths.
The Minister admitted more details have to be finalised and announced a new round of consultation. The plans are also not costed, but there is a recognition that there will be financial implications which will have to be met by the Department of Education.
It is understood the department would welcome a gradual moving away from academic selection by grammar schools in advance of the test's abolition.
The review group was chaired by Mr Steve Costello, a former general manager (Ireland) of Marks & Spencer. The group included representatives from the teacher unions, clergy and school authorities from both the Catholic and state sector. Grammar schools and other second-level institutions were represented. It was stressed that the report was a unanimous one, with no dissenting voices.
Mr Martin McGuinness told The Irish Times he was delighted at the announcement but wished to see an earlier abolition of academic selection.
The SDLP education spokesman, Mr Dominic Bradley, welcomed the moves saying they would retain Northern Ireland's excellent standards, but would also open the door to excellence, to all students, irrespective of social class.
Ms Naomi Long, of the Alliance Party, also welcomed the announcement but called for clarity on the transfer procedure from primary to second level.
Unionists were more hostile. Mr Sammy Wilson of the DUP, a former teacher, criticised the ending of selection and forecast the introduction of comprehensive schools. Mr Roy Beggs, for the Ulster Unionists, said the minister had not provided a clearly thought-out alternative to the 11-plus.
Education reform: main points
Abolition of 11-plus transfer test and ending of academic selection for second level schools.
Key decisions of educational path to be taken at ages 14 and 16 rather than 11.
Establishment of Entitlement Framework for each child to guarantee his/her access to wider subject choice.
Development of Pupil Profiles to inform parents and teachers and assist informed choices at 14 and 16.
New forms of co-operation and collaboration among schools in a local area to offer wider choice.